Well, it looks like the next step in Sonic's life has begun, the question is, can he come back from such a fall? Let's find out.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sonic The Hedgehog or any of the characters, they are owned by Sega and Sonic Team.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dreamcast, the Dreamcast is owned and trademarked by Sega.
November 18th 1997.
Development of the new Sonic project had begun, this one was going to prove to be the biggest story and movie they had done yet.
There was a lot of ambition when going into this project and they were sure they had something great on their hands.
Rouge had managed to convince Tails into coming back to the franchise.
After having Mina perform at her wedding, back in May, the next day she had offered Tails a role in the project.
Tails was hesitant, but eventually agreed to do it, figuring that despite being not that long ago, it felt like ages since he last saw his friends.
As for the rest of the cast, Rouge had obviously recruited Knuckles, albeit having to threaten him.
Knuckles wasn't too excited to come back, but when Rouge had a few words with him and told him about the fight scene between him and Sonic, she got him to agree.
The crew had built another robot character for the story, which they nicknamed, Gamma.
Then, because they were desperate and wanted to try something different, they hired a no name actor with no prior experience or training.
Rouge disagreed with the decision, but she wasn't able to dissuade them from hiring him, although all he did was wander around, looking for his pet frog which he lost constantly.
Despite that, Rouge was proud of herself, managing to get this project underway and having four members of her cast already set.
"Now comes the difficult part." Rouge thought.
Sonic and Amy's home.
Sonic and Amy had been watching the premiere of Sonic R, reminiscing on when they had filmed it, how cheesy but enjoyable it was.
"Hey, Amy." Sonic said.
"Yeah." Amy answered.
"Why did you use a car anyway, you could've kept up with us easy on foot?" Sonic asked.
"I have no idea, the studio wanted me to use the car for some reason." Amy said, remembering how weird it was, driving the tiny car, falling behind everyone because of how slow it was.
As it went to commercial, Amy heard a knock at the door.
Sonic answered it, revealing Rouge standing there.
"Rouge, it's been awhile." Sonic said, in surprise.
"Come on in." Sonic welcomed her in.
Rouge walked in, Amy hugging her and admiring the ring Knuckles had given Rouge.
"Sorry Knuckles didn't invite you two, I'll make it up to you somehow." Rouge apologized.
"It's alright, we understand." Sonic said.
"So, what brings you out here?" Amy asked.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you two about something." Rouge said.
"What is it?" Amy asked.
"Well, recently at Sega, we've been undergoing, changes." Rouge started.
"We've started up a new image and we're trying to get back on track, we're going to make hit after hit." Rouge continued.
"One of those hits happens to be a new Sonic film." Rouge said.
Instantly, Sonic walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
"Sonic, come back." Amy said.
"Well, that could've gone better." Rouge thought.
"I'm sorry about him, he's still a little bitter after the experience." Amy apologized.
"It's alright." Rouge said.
The door opened, Sonic storming back into the room.
"The answer is no." Sonic said.
"But Sonic, we already have writers working on the story, Tails and Knuckles have already signed on, all that's left is you and Amy." Rouge mentioned.
"I'm not gonna be Sega's victim again, last time I worked for you, I lost control and nearly lost my life, I'm not going back to that." Sonic said, reminding her of what he went through.
"Sonic, I swear to you, this time is different." Rouge said.
"You'll have full creative control and control over your schedule, no more endless work days, no more forced appearances or roles and no more not being able to spend time with the people you love, this time you'll have more freedom." Rouge told him.
Sonic thought it over, replaying her words in his mind over and over again, debating on whether or not it was the right choice.
He did miss acting and being on screen, seeing all the fans, just loving the excitement.
But was it worth the risk?
"Tell you what, think it over, we start filming this summer." Rouge said, handing him the new business card.
"They really do need you, Sonic." Rouge plead one last time before saying goodbye to both of them and leaving.
Sonic stood there, looking at the card in his hand.
"So, what're you going to do?" Amy asked.
"I don't know Amy, I just don't know." Sonic said.
As Sonic rested that night, he dreamt of when he first started, the audition, the first day on set and lastly, the premiere.
It was hard to believe that it was all only a little over six years ago, but it was true.
Sonic awoke, turning to see Amy fast asleep.
Sonic smiled, kissing her on the cheek before getting out of bed and going down stairs.
Sonic picked up the phone, dialing the number she gave him.
"Hello?" It was Rouge that answered.
"Rouge, it's Sonic." Sonic said.
Rouge said nothing, leading to Sonic saying what he called to say.
"I'm in."